The Informed SLP

Home
United States
Leawood, KS
The Informed SLP

Directions Website

Monthly "Evidence You Can Use" reviews for Speech–Language Pathologists. Sample and join at theinform Join at www.theinformedslp.com

11/02/2026

Happy November! This month's issue includes a bit of everything for everyone across almost all settings! Check it out to earn CE that you can put to use right away.

Then don't forget to circle back for our free-to-read series "Clinical Supervision for SLPs" (which offers 2 hours of clinical supervision CE to meet your ASHA requirement) and our free-to-share presentation on DLD (a perfect ready-to-go option for your next in-service).

And last, but not least...we're hiring! If you're a pediatric SLP who loves research and loves writing about it, check out our job listing and consider joining our team.

Find it all at www.TheInformedSLP.com.

[Visual description: Cartoon image of two SLPs looking at a tablet, with one exclaiming, "Yes! TISLP's latest issue!" Image text reads: "November means new reviews! And TISLP is hiring, too. Check it out! Pediatric SLPs can find the latest on: How competing priorities can affect real-time decision-making, using thickeners for kids and why they may be helpful for some, VFSS contributions to radiation exposure for NICU babies, our review of a helpful new pediatric dysphagia rating scale, systematic desensitization therapy in neurodiversity-affirming care. There’s more for pediatric SLPs, like: Updated research on Babble Boot Camp with new handouts and materials developed with the researchers, childhood dementia markers we can identify (like dysarthria and regression), reading: the impacts of dyslexia beyond word-reading and how to determine treatment intensity, highlights from a new milestones app for Spanish/English DLLs. SLPs working with adults can read up on: Reflux complaints and the role of the SLP in managing them, using therapeutic vibration tools in dysphagia therapy, a new tool for assessing a patient’s awareness of their own voice, script training for aphasia and how to space out sessions. There’s more for SLPs working with adults: An overview of the Visual Analog Scale and its application to dysarthria evaluation, concrete strategies for supporting self-determination in adults with intellectual disability, characteristics of an “accessible person” and how adults with learning disabilities say they affect their access to the world. And every SLP has to check out: Our free-to-read series “Clinical Supervision for Informed SLPs” which offers 2 hours of clinical supervision CE to meet your ASHA requirement, our free-to-share Developmental Language Delay presentation complete with slides, speaker notes, and audience handouts, and our job listing for a pediatric SLP writer--yes, we’re hiring! New research, free resources, and a job listing? We call that a good month. Find it all at www.TheInformedSLP.com today."]

10/30/2026

Research nerds, this one's for you. We're hiring a pediatric generalist writer, and it's been a while since we've been able to say that!

We're looking for someone who reads a new study and wants to dig into the methods, then explain it all in plain language for busy clinicians. Swipe through to see if that sounds like you.

You can find the full job description (including schedule and pay) and application here: https://www.theinformedslp.com/jobs/find-a-job/acrr17xjfbz399125mxkhmu5_published

Applications close Monday, November 30th at 11 pm CST.

[Visual description: Image text reads, "Attention, pediatric research nerds! We’re looking for a pediatric generalist writer to join our team (which doesn’t happen often around here). Who are we looking for? A pediatric SLP who’s seen a bit of everything. You’re licensed, with 3–5+ years of clinical experience in a school or clinic. You’ve assessed and treated speech sound and language disorders across a diverse caseload. What skills do I need? You’ll need to be strong in all three: Reading and critically appraising research (not just summarizing it). Writing clearly and precisely for busy clinicians. Working independently and meeting deadlines without reminders. What else? This role isn’t for everyone (and that’s okay). Our reviews have a high bar. SLPs use them to make real clinical decisions, so every review has to be accurate, clear, and carefully written. Will I have support? You’ll have an editor in your corner. They’ll assign projects and give feedback along the way, but the research and writing skills need to already be there. If that sounds like a fun challenge rather than a scary one, you’re our kind of person! How do I apply? If you’re nodding along, apply! You’ll answer a few written questions (in your own words, without AI), and top candidates are invited to a paid writing tryout. Where do I start? We’d love to hear from you. Find the full details and application at the link in our caption. Deadline: Monday, November 30th at 11 pm CST."]

10/28/2026

Yeah, we said it. Sure, a great attitude, solid clinical skills, and some sweet TiSLP swag go far when it comes to supervising emerging clinicians. But, ultimately it's the evidence-based practical habits and mindsets that help create effective learning environments while supporting both clinician development and client welfare.

Our free 3-part research review series "Clinical Supervision for Informed SLPs" meets ASHA's CE requirements to be an SLP Supervisor and is jam-packed with:

highlighted research findings from 28 teams of scientists

27 linked resources to help you along every step of the way, from deciding whether to supervise at all to supporting clinicians at every level of need

practical and specific ways to apply the research to your supervisory practice from establishing trust-based supervisor-supervisee relationships to offering meaningful evaluations and feedback

over 2 hours of CE credit that satisfies ASHA's requirement for SLP supervision.

It's all free for you to read, apply, and share with friends. Find it at www.TheInformedSLP.com/reviews.

[Visual description: Image text reads, "We need more than just vibes to supervise. Check out our 3-part research review series. It’s free to read, and eligible for .2 ASHA CEUs in Supervision! Swipe for highlights from each part! Part One So you want to be a supervisor? What you'll find: 3 research takeaways to help answer the questions: “Am I ready to supervise?” and “What could that look like for me?”, 4 tools to self-assess readiness to supervise (and 2 self-care commitments to make before you begin), 4 ways to set the stage for positive experiences on both sides. 36 minutes of CE. Part Two Create clarity through expectations, feedback, and reflection. What you'll find: 5 facts about adult learners, and what that means for supervision success, 3 steps (with mini-steps) to promote ease with transparent expectations, 6 tips for providing meaningful feedback, especially when clinicians are struggling. 44 minutes of CE. Part Three Build trust through ethical and inclusive practices. What you'll find: 5 dimensions of trust and how they apply to the supervisor-supervisee relationship, 14 practical ways to integrate these elements of trust when supervising, 4 steps to take when something goes awry (because we’re all human here). 40 minutes of CE. You’ll also find 27 key resources to bring the evidence into your practice. And clinically-actionable findings from 28 teams of scientists, too. This free series meets ASHA’s CE requirement for supervising future CCC-SLPs. It’s a can’t-miss for supervisors, mentors, and emerging clinicians, too. Learn more by heading to www.theinformedslp.com today!"]

10/27/2026

Yup, we're going to talk about it. (Again.) With the publication of Schlosser et al.'s refreshed systematic review, the recent rash of commentaries in certain publications, and more and more mentions in the news and social media, we’re wading (again) into the topic of Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) and Spelling to Communicate (S2C, or more recently “Spellers Method”), why their evidence landscapes for are so sparse, and what makes the discussions around them so fraught.

Check out “Between a rock and a hard place: SLPs and facilitated spelling," in which we aim to help practicing clinicians find a humane way to productively discuss the science behind RPM and S2C methods (collectively called facilitated spelling) and the humans who continue to use them.

Earn 48 minutes of CE credit, and maybe a new lens through which to view the debate, at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/Between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-SLPs-and-facilitated-spelling

[Visual description: Image text reads, "The assisted spelling debate is still on. And thoughtful engagement in the conversation is critical for SLPs doing evidence-based practice. Let’s get into it. Our editorial “Between a rock and a hard place: SLPs and facilitated spelling” covers: A brief history of the emergence of RPM and S2C, Discussion of why they’re persisting despite a lack of scientific evidence. What do early readers have to say? We’ve all felt the discord and the polarization. Image of an early reader's response that states, "This is the review I've been waiting for! I've personally been very skeptical of facilitated spelling methods due to the lack of scientific evidence and potential for harm, but I also can't dismiss the lived experiences of families and individuals who use this method. Thank you so much!" But we can keep our discussions productive. Image of an early reader's response that states, "Thank you for this thoughtful review. As SLPs we are often forced to act in the face of insufficient knowledge. In this instance it is both insufficient knowledge and a very thorny landscape for the reasons you laid out. I really appreciated that "6 things to try when it is a conversation" and plan to practice those with my peers before trying them out with the families I work with." Because everyone really is trying to the right thing. Image of an early reader's response that states, "Excellent writing and understanding the nuance and the conflicts--inner and outer. I just really appreciate the narrow focus on how to be honest, curious, open, but also respectfully firm in our capacity to face any potential issue. Thank you." The good news is that we’re in this together. Read our review and earn 48 minutes of Ethics CE at www.theinformedslp.com."]

10/26/2026

Ever get an unsure feeling when considering childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)? If you’ve used tools differentiating CAS from pediatric dysarthria but neither diagnosis feels just right, it might be time to consider speech motor delay (SMD).

Speech motor delay doesn’t have clear diagnostic criteria (yet) but in our new research review “When it’s not quite CAS, it could be speech motor delay,” we dive into studies from Shriberg, Mogren, and Iuzzini-Siegel (and their illustrious teams) to:

Discuss notable differences separating kids with CAS from those with SMD,

Choose diagnostic tasks to help identify where our clients fall on the CAS-to-SMD spectrum

Find therapeutic approaches that can be used (if a little off-label) to treat SMD

Find this new research and lots more on motor speech disorders at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/When-its-not-quite-CAS-it-could-be-speech-motor-delay

The research:
https://doi.org/10.1080/14015439.2026.2671824
https://doi.org/10.1080/02699206.2019.1595731

[Visual description: Image text reads, "Need a just-right label for that case of not-quite CAS? Speech Motor Delay may be the one." Cartoon image of an SLP inside a cozy kitchen scene. The SLP is at a kitchen table with three bowls of varying sizes filled with porridge. The bowls are labeled “Dysarthria,” “CAS,” and “SMD.” The SLP is holding a spoon and appears to be considering the different speech-motor diagnoses. In the background, two bears are looking through the window and one bear is looking through the door.]

10/22/2026

Maybe we’re not all on the same page when it comes to the comeback of low-rise skinny jeans, but I’m sure we can all agree that certain outdated practice approaches should go the way of the "whale tail."⁠
⁠
One example? Stuttering therapy that underappreciates the social and emotional aspects of stuttering in favor of a deficit-based approach focusing on speech alone. ⁠
⁠
While none of us likes to read a bad performance review, a new study presents us with an important opportunity to listen to the voices that matter and improve the way we provide speech therapy to individuals who stutter. ⁠
⁠
Check out our new research review “Your stuttering therapy is due for a tune-up” at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/Your-fluency-therapy-is-due-for-a-tune-up to learn how to do just that.⁠
⁠
The research: ⁠
https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_jslhr-24-00799
https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_jslhr-24-00792
⁠
[Visual description: Image text reads, "Calling all SLPs born in the 1900s. Our stuttering therapy may need updating. Swipe to learn why (and what to do). Only 17% of adults who stutter gave their childhood therapy a favorable review. Ouch! But we can do better with these 4 evidence-based strategies... 1. Find a balance between fluency strategies and managing social, emotional, and cognitive effects. 2. Individualize therapy to the client’s goals, even if that’s not “smooth speech.” 3. Support and encourage our clients’ connectedness, self-advocacy and social skills. 4. Focus on building confident communicators not abolishing stuttering. Check out our research review and find: Specific interventions to meet these new goals. Tips on implementing them with kids, teens, and adults. 12 minutes of Ethics CE credit. Let’s bring our stuttering strategies into the 21st century. Learn how at the link in our caption."]

10/21/2026

Join us in celebrating International AAC Awareness Month! We’re taking the month of October to shine a light on both the scientists reporting on the lived experiences of AAC users, and the SLPs who use their research to elevate their evidence-based practices every day. That’s you!

Check out our 4 new AAC-focused research reviews to find:

--Our review of Zisk et al.’s study of preferred terminology within the AAC user community. Spoiler: The overwhelming variability among the data still emphasized the importance of avoidance deficit-based language.

--Our discussion of Savolainen & Pilesjö’s study of 22 self-assessments focused on AAC users’ subjective experiences across the lifespan. We’ve highlighted the 6 assessments that had acceptable reliability and validity in a quick reference table for you.

--Our investigation of two frameworks (the EMBRAACE model proposed by Armendariz and Ocasio-Stoutenberg and the Translanguaging in AACtion framework presented by Saechao et al.) and how we can use them to inform our culturally responsive AAC assessment and treatment.

--Our look into Finak et al.’s study of what AAC users reported made the difference

Head to www.TheInformedSLP.com/reviews to find these 4 reviews, earn 36 minutes of CE credit, and bring even more intentionality to our practice supporting AAC users.

[Visual description: Image text reads, "October is AAC Awareness Month! We’re celebrating with 4 (!) fresh research reviews to add to our ever-growing AAC research database. Our review “Survey says...AAC terminology edition” offers: How AAC users may prefer to discuss their identity, 8 terms to use (and not use) when working with AAC users, 3 “rules of thumb” to honor the heterogeneity and individuality of AAC users. And in “Self-assessments for AAC users: Not enough, but enough to start” we identify 6 psychometrically-sound, standardized self-assessments we can use include our clients’ voices in their therapy plans. “Two frameworks, one goal: Supporting AAC for culturally diverse families” discusses: 2 distinct but complementary frameworks to help us support AAC users of color, 3 ways to translate them into our daily practice. Our research review “Literacy the WRITE way” highlights 4 ways we can support adult AAC users in their transition from symbol-based AAC to literacy through: AAC system design, learning opportunities, communication partners, and the physical environment. Supporting AAC users is more than just assessing communication. Find even more AAC EBP at theinformedslp.com."]

10/19/2026

We’re frustrated, and we know we're not alone. Despite the lack of evidence to support it (and firm stances against its use held by organizations like ASHA), facilitated spelling methods are not going away. While we can’t offer you a script for handling tricky situations around facilitated spelling, we can map the terrain we're standing in, name some of the things that make it hard to move around, and offer some thoughts for how to exist and communicate in a space of discomfort.⁠
⁠
In our editorial “Between a rock and a hard place: SLPs and facilitated spelling,” we’ll review the evidence from 10 teams of researchers (including the refreshed systematic review on assisted spelling). And we'll discuss 8 facts about RPM and S2C and its proponents that may shed light on why it’s still around.⁠
⁠⁠
Earn 48 minutes of Ethics CE by visiting https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/Between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-SLPs-and-facilitated-spelling today⁠
⁠
[Visual description: Image text reads, "RPM and S2C aren’t evidence-based practices. That hasn’t stopped their use, though, so SLPs may find ourselves feeling stuck. Knowing the science isn’t enough— the disagreement isn’t (only) about the evidence. Talk about a rock and a hard place. Equip yourself for your next tricky conversation. Check out TISLP’s latest editorial at www.theinformedslp.com."]

10/15/2026

We’re excited to announce that The Informed SLP is now offering SLP Supervision CEs! Clinical supervision can be a meaningful next step for practicing SLPs, but shifting to this role requires a mindset shift, new skills, and a clear understanding of what emerging clinicians actually need.⁠
⁠
In our free-to-read 3-part research review series, “Clinical Supervision for Informed SLPs” we explore foundational practices that have an outsized impact on supervisee learning, confidence, and professional growth. ⁠
⁠
Find it at www.TheInformedSLP.com/reviews to earn over 2 hours of Supervision CE, which meet ASHA's requirements to supervise future CCC-SLPs! And don't forget that non-members can earn up to .2 ASHA CEUs per year for free, too!
⁠

10/14/2026

Tracheostomy care can feel intimidating even for the most experienced SLPs! These patients are medically complex, and the stakes can feel especially high.

Lucky for us, Adel and colleagues provide recommendations for managing dysphagia in patients with a tracheostomy. And we’ve got the recap (pun definitely intended!) to help you show up prepared, ask the right questions, and advocate confidently for your patients.

In our new research review, 'Don't let a trach stop you in your tracks', you'll find:

The ins and outs of the tracheostomy itself,

Potential mechanisms of dysphagia,

Tips for your bedside eval, including a note on the notorious Modified Evan’s Blue Dye test, and

What to keep in mind when prepping for an instrumental eval.

Read the full review and get 12 minutes of CE credit at www.theinformedslp.com

The research: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-026-10951-6

[Visual description: Image text reads, "Managing dysphagia in patients with a trach? Upgrade your Tracheostomy IQ at www.TheInformedSLP.com."]

Address

5251 W 116th Place, Suite 200
Leawood, KS
66211

Website

http://www.theinformedslp.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Informed SLP posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.